Charades, Mikrofilm and GKIDS are collaborating on Pesta, an animated romantic horror film directed by Hanne Berkaak. The project, set during the Black Death in 1349 Norway, is in development with a planned release in 2029. It will be presented at the European Film Market on February 13 as part of the Annecy Animation Showcase.
The film Pesta marks the feature debut of Norwegian director Hanne Berkaak and blends romance with horror, drawing from Norwegian history and folklore. Produced by Norway's Mikrofilm, Germany's Knudsen Pictures, and French companies Rosalie Films and Charades, the story unfolds in 1349 Norway amid the Black Death. It follows Astrid, a noble girl who falls in love with a musician accused of witchcraft, prompting her to challenge societal truths. The narrative parallels medieval plague fears with modern global crises.
Berkaak explained, “With ‘Pesta,’ our goal is to create characters that are complex and relatable to a contemporary young adult audience, even though the story unfolds in a medieval world.” He added that dark historical periods provide perspective on the present, noting, “Catastrophes expose structural illusions a society is built upon, and often have a way of bringing people together.” The director aims to depict the brutality of youth during the plague while emphasizing love and hope.
Producer Tonje Skar Reiersen stated, “We feel privileged to have Charades and GKids on board for ‘Pesta.'” Charades, known for films like I Lost My Body and the Oscar-winning Flow, joined after reviewing early visuals and will co-produce and handle international sales. The company praised the project's unique visual language and storytelling. GKIDS, an Oscar-winning U.S. distributor, expressed enthusiasm: “We fell in love with the project at first sight and [are] looking forward to supporting the creative team in bringing Hanne’s vision to life.”
Development has received support from Creative Europe MEDIA, the Norwegian Film Institute, Viken Film Centre, the Norwegian Arts Council, and Norsk Illustrasjonsfond. It also earned the Eurimages Development Award for Co-Productions at Cartoon Movie. Distribution is set with Animation Addicts in Germany and Norsk Filmdistribusjon in Norway.
